The Bihar Election 2025 has entered a decisive stage as security measures intensify before the second phase of polling scheduled for November 11. To maintain law and order and prevent any unauthorized movement during the election period, multiple India-Nepal border checkpoints have been sealed for 72 hours. This step, implemented in districts adjoining Nepal, seeks to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
Officials in Nepal’s Mahottari district confirmed the border closure, noting that the restrictions came into effect from 6 PM on Saturday. According to Mahottari Assistant Chief District Officer Sanjay Kumar Pokhrel, halting cross-border movement during elections is a routine strategic measure, considering the open border shared between India and Nepal.
Security Measures and Administrative Preparedness
The closure applies to all border crossings in Mahottari and surrounding districts which share land routes with Bihar. These areas typically experience frequent travel of residents for trade, work, and social purposes. However, during elections, authorities restrict movement to curb illegal activities such as:
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Cross-border movement of political workers
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Circulation of unaccounted cash for influencing voters
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Smuggling of liquor, weapons, or other prohibited items
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Possible sheltering of anti-social elements across the border
This decision reflects the administration’s emphasis on maintaining integrity and transparency in the electoral process.
High-Intensity Campaigning Ends Before Phase Two
Campaigning for phase two concluded on Sunday, with leaders from major political alliances—National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Mahagathbandhan (MGB)—making their final appeals to voters.
NDA’s Narrative
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing a rally in Sasaram, stressed national security and development. He asserted that the central government would take a firm and retaliatory stance against terrorism. Shah also announced that plans to establish a defence corridor in Bihar are under consideration, indicating a push for industrialization and job creation.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary affirmed unity within the NDA and reiterated that Nitish Kumar will continue as Chief Minister if the alliance returns to power.
Mahagathbandhan’s Stand
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified criticism of the NDA government, alleging “vote theft” and urging young voters to safeguard democratic values. He further stated that Bihar should shift from “Made in China” dependency and work toward building a strong local manufacturing base, ending with the slogan:
“Made in Bihar, for India.”
Tejashwi Yadav and leaders of the Jan Suraaj movement also continued to challenge the NDA by focusing on unemployment, education reforms, and alleged governance failures.
Rajnath Singh Frames Political Choice as Development vs. ‘Jungle Raj’
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presented the election as a critical decision between:
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Continuing the path of “vikas” (development) under NDA
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Returning to the “jungle raj” that he associated with past administrations.
He emphasized that Bihar’s growth is indispensable to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation, stating:
“India will become Viksit only when Bihar becomes Viksit.”
Why the Second Phase Matters
The second phase is crucial because:
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It covers several politically sensitive constituencies.
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It reflects voter sentiment after the first phase.
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It will influence the balance of momentum for the final rounds of polling.
The results, to be announced on November 14, will determine whether Bihar continues under the NDA’s double-engine governance model or whether Mahagathbandhan, led primarily by Tejashwi Yadav, gains control. The rise of Jan Suraaj adds a new dynamic, testing traditional vote banks.